Nebelung cat aficionados, would you like to know if this breed is hypoallergenic or if it can affect allergy sufferers?
Nebelung is a cute kitty that is known worldwide as a loyal and loving companion. It is a rare pedigree domestic cat with wide-set green eyes, a long body, mild disposition and dense, long fur. An interesting fact we uncovered about this breed is that the name ‘’Nebelung’’ is a portmanteau of Nebel (German word), which means fog or mist. This name was derived from this cat’s silky grey-blue coat.
For allergy sufferers, we are determined to find out if this lovely breed can be a great fit for you. We have committed ourselves to find out if Nebelung cats are hypoallergenic or not.
So let’s dig in!
Are Nebelung Cats Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is no. Nebelung cats are not considered to be hypoallergenic, as they are likely to affect allergy sufferers. Sporting a moderate shedding and dander production level, Nebelung cats are prone to spreading allergens all throughout your home faster than you can clean ‘em up!
Just like all other cat breeds, the main issue isn’t the actual fur or dander, it’s the Fel d1 protein they produce which is also found in most of the fluids and substances they produce.
All felines, including the hairless and non-shedding cats, can have Fel d1 allergy-causing protein in their saliva, urine and skin. Fel d1 is the main allergen that causes cat allergies in most people who are allergic to cats.
How to Decide If Nebelung Cat Is Safe For Your Allergies
All pets produce allergens that can trigger several allergic reactions. And the most common cat allergies that we will consider in this article are skin and breathing allergies. We have rated Nebelungs for both:
Cat allergies are caused by a wide range of allergens containing the Fel d1 protein, including saliva, dander, and urine. And the main thing individuals with breathing allergies have to worry about is the amount of airborne particles produced during shedding.
Skin allergies are caused by direct exposure to substances like urine, dander and saliva that contain Fel d1. Let’s get into each of these in the following sections.
Do Nebelung Cats Shed a Lot?
Not really. However, Nebelung cats are a moderate shedding breed with seasonal blowouts. This cat’s shedding seasons include spring and fall. And thanks to their silky coat, Nebelung cats have a double-layered coat that is matting resistant.
Nebelung has a medium to long fur length, so you will notice their hair all over your home when they do start shedding.
This breed also tends to release all the trapped outdoor allergen and dander when they shed. Say hello to an airborne allergy delivery system right there!
Fortunately, proper grooming and brushing can help you manage Nebelung’s shedding level though the risk of allergies will always be there no matter how vigorously you clean up after your kitty.
Nebelung Dander and Saliva Exposure
It’s a known fact that no cat is 100% guaranteed to be safe for allergy sufferers. And it’s thanks to the proteins and antigens they produce, which are important for your cat’s health. It should come as no surprise then that Nebelung cats also produce these allergy-causing proteins. Your risk with skin allergies is how you come into contact with it and usually it’ll be when you touch their fur, urine, saliva or dander.
Nebelung cats have a moderate dander production rate, meaning they produce a fair amount of dander compared with some cats that produce less. Their long coats trap the dander close to the body instead of releasing it immediately… until they start shedding.
All cats release their dander into the atmosphere when they shed. And this can increase when they experience seasonal blowouts, which the Nebelung will do twice a year. Both these traits can lead to increased dander throughout your home which can then trigger severe allergies if you come into contact with it.
Also, just like most cat breeds, Nebelung tends to self-groom numerous times during the day. And this can result in their saliva being trapped on their coats.
Unfortunately, Nebelung’s saliva can be more dangerous for allergy sufferers when trapped on their coat. And being moderate shedders, these cats will spread it throughout your house which, again, can trigger allergies, so you have to be careful.
It might be worth considering a hypoallergenic cat breed instead if you’re worried your level of sensitivity is on the moderate to higher end of the scale.
Grooming and Coat Maintenance
Nebelungs are generally clean creatures that love cleaning themselves. Therefore, they should only be washed once every 2 to 3 weeks. Bathing can remove all the dead hair during the shedding seasons.
By nature, Nebelungs hate baths so, you should introduce them to a routine while they are kittens. But, make sure you wash them using the right shampoo otherwise their skin may become irritated and shed more.
Being a long-haired cat, this breed should be combed and brushed daily to get rid of the dead hair and to prevent excess dander being released throughout your home. Regular brushing will help prevent tangles and matts. Brushing can also help distribute their natural oil all over their coats. However, it’s crucial that you brush their coat with the right brush.
Tips for Reducing Allergies With a Nebelung Cat Around
In love with Nebelung and want one anyway despite the allergies? Well, we understand! Nebelung is a unique pedigree cat, so we have some tips to help you live peacefully with this cat.
However, sharing your home with a pet of any kind still poses a great risk to your health that cannot be dismissed using these tips alone.
Training
Nebelungs are loyal and loving cats that love spending time with their owners. These cats are affectionate towards many people. They want to be in the same room with their owners and can even snuggle with them in bed.
They are highly intelligent creatures that can be taught numerous tricks. Remember, proper training can help reduce the spread of allergens in your home. So, we recommend that you teach them the following:
- To stay away from the bedrooms
- To definitely stay off your bed
- Proper kitty training
- To keep off your soft furnishings
- To stay in your compound
- Not to lick you if you are allergic to their saliva
Fortify your Home
Even though they love spending time with people, these cats can break the rules when alone. So, you can add extra protection in the house to help you deal with allergies. We recommend that you start with the following allergy-combating devices and tips:
- Keep your bedroom doors closed
- Install HEPA filters
- Get a decent air purifier
- Use a high-quality vacuum cleaner with pet attachment
- Get rid of unnecessary the textile surfaces in your home
- Always keep your allergy meds around
Final Thoughts
Nebelung cats are not considered hypoallergenic as they pose an increased risk of triggering allergic reactions, especially in those sensitive to cats. One of the best methods of reducing allergies is adopting hypoallergenic Nebelung hybrids.
However, since this breed is quite rare, these mixes are not that common. Therefore, we recommend that you adhere to the above tips. And make sure you spend some time with this breed before adopting it to find out if they are hypoallergenic to you.
